57 Energy: from fossil fuels to windmills

A Fossil fuels
Fossil fuels are sources of energy which were formed underground from plant and animal
remains millions of yearsago.
Several new oil wells1 were constructed in the desert last year.
Offshore2 drilling platforms explore the ocean bed for oil and gas.
Older coal-fired3 power stations generally cause high levels of pollution.
The coal mines4 in the north of the country are no longer profitable.
A new gas pipeline5 was built to bring cheaper energy to the capital city.
1
hole made in the ground for the removal of oil 2 away from or at a distance from the coast
3
using coal as a fuel 4 deep hole or system of holes under the ground from which coal is removed
5
very large tube through which liquid or gas can flow for long distances

B Renewable energy
Renewable energy is energy that can be produced again as quickly as it is used.

Onshore1 wind farms to get

2
Solar panels3 to be installed Hydroelectric4power station to be
closed down
new government subsidies on all government buildings

Biomass5 not the answer,

Tidal power6 and wave power may meet future energy needs
7

claimsEnergy Minister

Three new nuclear power

9
Government to focus on renewables8 Geothermal10 energy
, stations to be built
Minister announces will last 1,000 years,
says scientist
1
on the land (opp. = offshore) 2 group of wind turbines that are
used for producing electricity 3 devices that change energy from
the sun into electricity 4 producing electricity by the force of fast-
moving water such as rivers or waterfalls 5 dead plant and animal
material suitable for using as fuel 6 using the force of the sea tide
to produce energy 7 using the force of waves in the sea to produce
energy 8
note that renewable can also be used as a countable noun
9
using the power produced when the nucleus of an atom is divided Common mistake
or joined to another nucleus 10 using the heat inside the earth
Take care with the spelling of
C Using energy energy (NOT energie or energi).

What can ordinary citizens do to reduce energy consumption1? Some simple things include using fewer
power-hungry2 appliances3 around the home, monitoring4 your use of electricity and consuming5 less
energy by switching off unnecessary lights and entertainment systems that use power while on standby.
Is your car a gas-guzzler6? Think about changing to a more energy-ecient7 model. Think more about
food miles8 and buy local products so that fuel consumption in the transporting of goods is reduced. We
can also reduce our carbon footprint9 by planning travel more carefully and cutting out unnecessary
journeys. Remember, the worlds coal, oil and gas deposits10 are nite11; one day they will run out, so
think now about what you can do to consume less.

1
how much is used of something 2 that use a great amount of energy 3 equipment, especially
electrical equipment, used in the home, e.g. washing machines, fridges 4 regularly watching and
checking something over a period of time 5 using (e.g. energy, time) especially in large amounts
6
one that uses a lot of fuel; informal 7 using only a little electricity, gas, etc. 8 distance food is
transported from where it is produced to when it reaches the consumer 9 measurement of the amount
of carbon dioxide that ones activities create 10 layer formed under the ground, especially over a very
long period 11 having an end or lasting a limited time

120 English Vocabulary in Use Advanced